Another Step forward for Morecambe

Khaleda Chowdhury, Stakeholder Lead

June 2023

The Morecambe Offshore Windfarm Generation Assets Project reached another key milestone earlier this month, taking us one step closer to submitting our application for development consent. On 4 June, we concluded our second round of statutory consultation, which ran for a total of 47 days. This was such an important milestone in the project as it presented the opportunity for local communities, businesses, and stakeholders to have their voices heard and really influence the project.

During the consultation period, the Morecambe project held a total of 19 in-person events and one online webinar. This consultation was unique to the extent that it was delivered collectively with the Morgan Offshore Wind and Mona Offshore Wind Project teams – two other windfarms being developed by bp and EnBW. Whilst it may be an atypical approach, delivering the consultation events simultaneously allowed communities and the range of stakeholders a chance to hear about (and provide feedback on), all three projects at the same time.

It was encouraging to see so many people attend and take a real interest in the projects and the benefits the windfarms will collectively bring.  It was also very encouraging to hear a wide range of views. We can always do more to truly engage with our communities and that is where our focus will be over the coming months. We will work to digest all feedback, undertake further technical assessments, and continue to plan and engage with all stakeholders. This approach will help us refine our proposals and critically, deliver a project we hope everyone can support, when we come to submit our application for development consent next year.

What’s more, we are already planning our next phase of consultation jointly with the Morgan Offshore Wind Project team. Both offshore windfarm projects (generation assets) are collaborating to deliver the Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Windfarm’s Transmission Assets. This project aims to jointly connect the windfarms to the national grid at Penwortham and requires a separate application for development consent.

Watch this space for further information about the next round of consultation. I am very much looking forward to meeting members of the community again. Until then, If you would like to get in touch with a member of the team regarding the Morecambe Offshore Windfarm, either on the generation or transmission assets, please email us at: [email protected]